Ghana protest turns deadly, and risks remain
Yesterday (29 June) clashes involving security services and protestors in Ejura, Ashanti region reportedly left two dead and at least four others in critical condition. While political violence remains a comparatively rare occurrence in Ghana, this incident adds to wider concerns around security e.g. recent cash-in-transit robberies[1] and the preparedness of security and intelligence services to address specific internal/external threats with an efficacy that does not result in amplified tensions.
Significance – Allegations of Impunity
The protests were sparked by the death of Ibrahim Mohammed, a protester allied to the #FixTheCountry movement. See: #FixTheCountry: Ghanaians take to social media to vent building frustrations. Mohammed, a social media activist was attacked by unidentified individuals on 25 June and succumbed to his injuries on 28 June[2]. An angry crowd of youth from the area mobilised to protest at the local police station in Ejura to demand answers and justice. The police station was almost overrun, and military reinforcements were requested. According to local news reports, within moments of the army arriving on the scene, they opened fire on the crowd with live rounds, striking an unknown number of protesters.
A series of allegations about the actions and motivations of key stakeholders have followed. For example, eyewitnesses interviewed on local television claimed that the military sent to the area did not appear to be wearing any identifying insignia, and that this together with the speed at which they resorted to lethal methods, is evidence of an intention to cause harm. Locals had previously accused the Municipal Chief Executive of Ejura Sekyeredumase, Salisu Bamba[3], of somehow being involved in the initial assault on Mohammed, a charge he has denied. It has long been alleged that special units have been created within various security institutions (police, National Intelligence Bureau and the Ghana Armed Forces) to accommodate former vigilantes that were associated with the major political parties. Other instances of unrest have been attributed to such groups.
Meanwhile, the #FixTheCountry movement has united popular grievances relating to cost of living, corruption and youth unemployment inter alia. Government has cracked down hard on the organisers of planned protests with dozens being arrested and an injunction originally placed against holding any protests.
Outlook – Increased security risk
The political cost of these incidents extends beyond the Ejura-Sekyeredumase local government area. Significant questions will be asked of the armed forces and the president as head of the Ghana Armed Forces. The MP for the area, Bawa Braimah Mohammed – a member of the opposition National Democratic Congress – has called on the defence ministry to conduct a comprehensive investigation. He also sought to stem the damage by calling on the youth in Ejura to remain calm, arguing that the actions of a few (in the security services) should not be seen as state oppression.
Meanwhile, the risk of further protests and reprisal attacks, possibly targeting security forces, in the area is elevated. Members of the family of one of the protestors that was shot have been quoted saying that there will be no peace until there is justice: “if the government of Ghana thinks they will leave justice into the hands of the population, we are ready to take justice and serve justice by ourselves”[4].
The #FixTheCountry organisers will seize upon this opportunity to call for systemic change[5] and for all government actors to be held to account. It will bolster a rapidly growing movement that has already gone much further than government initially expected.
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[1] See: An unwanted catalyst for securing Ghana’s banking sector logistics
[2] Activist dies in Ejura after mob attack. (2021, 28 June). Myjoyonline.com.
[3] Formerly MP for the area and a member of the ruling New Patriotic Party. Appointed Municipal Chief Executive in 2017
[4] 'Without justice there will be no peace' – Family of slain protestors fume (2021, 29 June). Ghanaweb.com.
[5] Increased accountability (people being prosecuted for corruption etc.), more jobs, lower utility prices, improved infrastructure among others
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